GS1

GS I-History Historical Significance Poompuhar, historically recognized as Kaveripattinam, functioned as a crucial maritime center during the Chola period. Situated in present-day Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, at the confluence of the Kaveri River, it played a vital role in trade and commerce. Cultural and Commercial Hub Sangam-era Tamil literature and the …

GS 1 – Environment Context: A recent study suggests that iguanas colonized Fiji by surviving an 8,000-kilometer oceanic journey—the longest known migration of any land-dwelling vertebrate. About Iguanas Iguanas are terrestrial reptiles, yet they are found on distant Pacific islands such as Fiji, Tonga, and the Galápagos, raising the question: …

GS1 – Medieval Indian History Context: The Patharughat Uprising of 1894 has recently been highlighted in the news for its historical significance. Overview of the Patharughat Uprising Also Known As: The Patharughat Peasant Revolt, this event remains one of the lesser-known struggles in India’s freedom movement. Date & Location: Took …

GS1 – Medieval Indian History Context: Observed annually on March 19, the Muzhara Movement was a significant agrarian struggle in Punjab, where tenant farmers fought for land rights, a movement that traces back to the 1930s. Background of the Muzhara Movement Biswedari System (1870s): The Maharaja of Patiala established a …

GS1 – Modern History Context: Maharashtra’s first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was officially inaugurated in Bhiwandi. Significance and Architectural Highlights This temple is the first of its kind in Maharashtra and the second in India, with the first being in Srisailam, Telangana. Main Statue: A 6.5-foot idol of …

GS1 – Geography Context: The Vernal Equinox, occurring on March 20, signifies the official beginning of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The term “vernal” translates to “spring,” indicating the transition from winter to longer, warmer days in the north, while the southern …

GS II-History Context: Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarkar has been in the news recently. Early Life & Education Born on July 6, 1837, in Malvan, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Among the first graduates of Bombay University in 1862. Political & Academic Contributions Served as a non-official member of the Imperial Legislative Council in …

GS I-Culture Context: Several Indian heritage sites, including Santiniketan, Khajuraho Temples, and Rani-ki-Vav, have recently gained attention. Santiniketan Overview: Santiniketan is a residential educational institution and cultural hub rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It embodies a vision of global unity, transcending religious and cultural divides. Significance: Represents an exceptional Indian …

GS I-Society Context In the 2014 case of UP Hindi Sahittya Sammelan vs State of UP, the Supreme Court upheld the principle of linguistic secularism, emphasizing its role in fostering inclusivity in language policies. The ruling gains significance in the ongoing discourse over language in India. What is Linguistic Secularism? …

GS I-History Context The Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage Sites in 2025. If approved, this will be the second site from the state to receive this recognition. Understanding Megaliths Megaliths are large stone structures constructed in ancient times, primarily for …

GS I-Culture Context: Recently, six cultural and natural heritage sites from India have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List, bringing the total number of Indian sites on this list to 62. Understanding UNESCO’s Tentative List: What is it? The Tentative List serves as a preliminary inventory of sites that a …

GS 1-Geography Context: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have detected a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) onboard Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated solar observation mission. Aditya-L1 Mission Overview: Launch Date: September 2, 2023 Developed By: ISRO, with contributions from Indian research …

GS I-Geography Context: The Fuego volcano in Guatemala recently erupted, prompting emergency response measures, as reported by The Guardian (TG). About Fuego Volcano Name & Location: Also known as Volcán de Fuego (Spanish for “Volcano of Fire”), it is situated near Antigua, Guatemala. Volcanic Activity: One of Central America’s most …

GS-I-History Background: Recently, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Chino Hills, California, was subjected to vandalism. About BAPS: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a sect within Hinduism that follows Vaishnavism. It belongs to the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Establishment: BAPS was founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951), who propagated …

GS I – Geography Geographical Location & Size: Situated in Central Africa, the DRC is Africa’s second-largest nation and ranks 11th globally in terms of land area. Has a narrow 40-km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Shares borders with nine nations: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, …

GS I-Geography Geographical Location: Situated in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, along the northern Chilean coastline. Environmental Conditions: Depth: Extends beyond 8,000 meters, ranking among the deepest oceanic trenches. Extreme Factors: Crushing pressure due to immense depth. Near-freezing temperatures persist year-round. High sediment deposits influence the trench’s ecology. Perpetual darkness …

Prelims-Species (GS I – Environment) Context: A recent discovery in the Atacama Trench has reshaped existing knowledge about deep-sea ecosystems, with the identification of Dulcibella camanchaca—a newly classified predatory amphipod. About Dulcibella Camanchaca New Species Identified: A previously unknown amphipod species was found at a depth of 7,902 meters in …

Prelims-Places in news (GS I – Geography) Context: A collision between a cargo ship and a U.S. military fuel tanker recently occurred in the North Sea. Geographical The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by: West: England and Scotland South: The Netherlands, Belgium, and France …

GS III- Environment, Geography Context: The phenomenon known as Kavaru has been observed in the undrained Pokkali rice fields and the Vembanad backwaters of Kerala. Understanding Kavaru Definition: Kavaru refers to bioluminescence, a natural process where microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi emit light in water. Trigger Factors: Increased …

GS-1-History and Culture Context: The Jalanatheswarar Temple, an architectural and religious landmark from the Chola era, is facing serious structural damage. The temple has not undergone Kumbhabhishekam (a vital Hindu temple consecration ritual) for over 15 years, raising concerns about its preservation. Significance of Kumbhabhishekam Kumbhabhishekam is a ritual performed …